The Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) is co-hosting Rapid Media's Reel Paddling Film Festival World Tour 2013 in Waitsfield with Friends of the Mad River on Saturday, May 11, at the Big Picture Theater. NFCT's headquarters are located in Waitsfield and this year the screening coincides with the Mad Triathlon, a unique recreational race including running, paddling and biking. The film festival showcases the best paddling films from around the world. Proceeds from the event support the Northern Forest Canoe Trail and Friends of Mad River. This showing is one of nine screenings that NFCT is hosting throughout New York and New England this season.

This year Lincoln Canoe & Kayak, maker of handcrafted canoes and kayaks in Freeport, Maine, and a famous boat builder in the Northeast, is partnering with NFCT to raffle a lightweight and versatile 2013 Chebeague kayak to be prized at the conclusion of the nonprofit's nine-screening series. All attendees at the show in Waitsfield will have an opportunity to enter a free raffle to win the boat.

Friends of the Mad River is a nonprofit committed to protecting, improving and enhancing the ecological, recreational and community values of the Mad River and its watershed. Participants will also welcome racers from the Mad Triathlon. All racers receive a discount to the film festival. Racers can relax in the cozy surrounds of the Big Picture after a day of heart-pounding running, biking and paddling. Just bring your bib and get the discount at the door, or get a refund if purchased in advance.

The Reel Paddling Film Festival is in its eighth year and features films in 10 categories. The festival inspires people to explore rivers, lakes and oceans, push physical and emotional extremes, embrace the paddling lifestyle and appreciate the heritage of wild places.

The May 11 screening starts at 7 p.m. at the Big Picture Café and Theater, located at 48 Carroll Road in Waitsfield. Tickets for this event can be purchased at the door or online in advance at www.ticketriver.com/event/5930-reel-paddling-film-festival.

To learn more about paddling the NFCT, to become a member and to purchase a guidebook and maps, visit www.northernforestcanoetrail.org or call (802) 496-2285.